Simulation

"This exam will be a simulation that will be done with magic. Most of you already participated in a training where simulations were used. That's the most effective way to test someone else's capabilities in a situation that borders reality. Also, it makes it easier for us to avoid serious injuries or destruction around Stokil.

"This simulation that we will make will be something related to the work you will be doing when you become Guardians. I bet that you all were waiting for tests that would make you fight against yourselves in a fierce match where only the stronger one remaining would be the victorious, but it isn't any good for your apprenticeship and makes no sense in the scenario that we are right now. Also, it is useless to measure how much proficiency you have when exercising the job that you are meant to do once you become a novice."

As the superior told them about the exam, the trainees began to get more and more disappointed. Actually, they were expecting such a thing to happen. A fierce death match against themselves to see who are the stronger was surely something that they would adore to do, particularly due to the rivalry that they had between themselves. Nonetheless, all of them found it reasonable as well. After all, they were there to become Guardians, not brawlers.

Since Ares didn't have such pretensions when going to the test, he didn't get sad at all. In truth, he was glad that the people scheming the exam were really thinking about the trainee's growth.

'It just shows how serious this organization is. Stokil Fortress is made to develop the strongest soldiers out there. They probably just lose to some other fortresses located in the most dangerous Thresholds and to the Beast Hunters.'

The superior kept walking left to right, looking straight at the trainees and maintaining his voice as clear as possible.

"This exam will be divided into four different situations that you will need to face in the future while being a Guardian. Each one of them will be harder than the last, the fourth being the hardest, naturally. In all these tests, you will need to act as a team. Individuality will only kill you. Lack of harmony and synergy will only lead to defeat. Those who can leave aside their differences and fight with each other will surely live.

"Remember that Guardians don't necessarily like everyone on their team, nor do they empathize with every human being. We hold grudges, we hate and love others... we are humans, you know? Nevertheless, the difference is that we have enough discipline to leave these things aside and fight for what is important for us."

The man closed his hand into a fist, hitting his chest and talking louder than before.

"When you get yourselves facing huge trouble or puzzled about working as a group, think of this test as the very real thing. Remember that, once in reality, your mistakes will reflect on people who are behind this fortress: your friends, your family, your beloved ones... Every single person you know that matters are right behind you and you need to protect them with your life if needed!"

The trainees let out a roar of excitement and motivation. The tension and pressure that they were feeling weren't gone at all, but they were feeling less uncomfortable in comparison to some minutes ago. Also, the feeling of having other people whom they could count on was soothing. Working together didn't seem so bad in that scenario.

"Stay on top of this arena, the test will start soon. Remember not to panic right at the very first start of the exam. Just to note, your emotional intelligence is also a factor that is taken into consideration when we are giving points. Also, be careful with your body perception, like pain or sickness. If you trigger it too much, you can drive your real minds crazy."

After those last words, he walked off the arena.

Ares excitedly clenched his fists and gave a confident smile. For a moment, he forgot about his broken ankle and all the disadvantages that he had in comparison to the other trainees.

'I will make this test be worth it. I won't back away no matter what. I trained a lot not only during this last week but during my entire life. Since I was a little kid, I was training with the sword. I can't possibly be so retarded in comparison to others.'

Ares wasn't sure about those words, though. There were lots of genius out there. Anyhow, he was doing his best in the conditions that he was in that moment to make things right and catch up with the others.

Suddenly, a strong light began to draw a complex symbol under their feet. The trainees didn't pay attention to this detail, but it was a complex rune. It was an incredibly difficult draw that Ares couldn't ever reproduce.

'So, that's the power that Runes can have... I knew that they were strong, but to make this type of magic, it must be even more incredible than I ever thought. I just hope that I can get to this level someday with the runes I have at my disposal right now. I should learn more about it...' The boy was amazed by that level of power.

That bright light lasted for some minutes only and disappeared as quickly as it came, leaving just a spectrum of light around.

Suddenly, everyone felt a chilling sensation on their heads as if their minds were getting numb or something. Their muscles seemed to get more relaxed each second until they couldn't move anymore and felt like getting out of their physical bodies.

In some seconds, everyone's vision went blank. Their minds weren't connected with the common world anymore. Now, they were in a different reality. The exams had finally started.

The higher-ups of Stokil Fortress gathered around the Arena, looking at a spheral crystal in front of them. They wore curious expressions on their faces, willing to see the outcome of that test.